Solar Panel Basics & Their Useful Advantages

Since the sun offers plenty of energy, it is wise to use solar energy to meet your house's electrical needs. By fully using the sun, you cut your power costs. Many, meanwhile, wonder how the panels collect solar energy and convert it into practical power for daily consumption.

Anyone can grasp the solar panel basics found in this article. In the end, you can understand why a lot of house and business owners are going to solar.

What Are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Solar panels' photovoltaic (PV) cells collect solar energy. These cells allow the panels to achieve a photovoltaic effect, where electrons are charged by the sun’s photons. Electricity is generated through the effect of the solar ray on the electrons, which creates usable power for various appliances and electronics.

H2: What Materials Are Used in Solar Panels?

The basic solar panel system material is its PV cells, which are usually made of silicon. These cells allow the panel to absorb sunlight and create electricity via the photovoltaic effect. Since silicon is not durable, glass and an aluminum frame are used to encase the PV cells.

Silver or copper wiring conducts electricity and delivers power to the panel’s output terminal within the grid. Power is then moved towards your inverter, making the energy safe for your batteries.

Types of Solar Panels

There are three different solar panels on the market. Each has a different construction method, giving it its unique advantages and disadvantages. To help you buy a suitable one, let's go through the basics of solar panel type below.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

The silicon components of polycrystalline solar panels are fractured and melded together, and you can see the fragmented silicon on the panels. Affordability is the main advantage of this solar panel since it has the low silicon purity. However, it is also less efficient at collecting solar energy than monocrystalline panels and has a low lifespan.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Made from a single, pure silicon crystal, monocrystalline panels are more efficient at gathering solar energy than the other three. This is thanks to the highest purity level of the silicon, which allows a monocrystalline panel to be over 20% efficient. Its construction also makes this panel long-lasting. Due to the silicon’s purity and its design, monocrystalline solar panels are pricier than the three.

Newer ones, such as the Anker SOLIX PS100 Portable Solar Panel, can achieve up to 23% efficiency in gathering solar energy. Their efficiency is thanks to their monocrystalline solar cell optimized design. The Anker solar panel still has a lightweight design that lets you position it towards the sign during different times of the day.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

Advancements in solar panels allowed for low-profile solar cells that are around 350 times thinner than the ones used in crystalline panels. This results in think-film solar panels that are portable and lightweight, allowing you to take them anywhere. Traditional thin films have a lower efficiency in capturing sunlight than polycrystalline solar panels.

How Much Electricity Can a Solar Panel Generate?

A solar panel's size, efficiency, and the degree of sunlight it receives all affect how much electricity it can produce. A standard residential solar panel generates around 250 to 400 watts per hour on a sunny day with uninterrupted solar rays. Suppose we consider the average 1,214 watts of electrical usage in a common household. You need around 4 to 5 solar panels to power a house daily.

Geographic location, climate, panel tilt, and orientation affect the total energy output. Your house or company's total energy demand and the number of panels installed will help you determine the capacity of a solar system for producing electricity.

Key Considerations When Installing Solar Panels

The right solar panel not only fulfills your energy needs but also meets other requirements. Below are the considerations to consider when determining your basic solar panel setup.  

Location and Sunlight Exposure: Determine which part of your home receives the most sunlight or has plenty of solar exposure. Doing so will help you determine other key factors before installing crystalline panels.

Roof Condition and Structure: Check that the solar panel’s weight is not too much on the part of your roof with the most sunlight exposure. You must also consider whether the panels need a bracket to secure them properly onto your roof.

System Size and Energy Needs: Review your electricity bill to know how much energy your house uses on average in one day. This should tell you how many solar panels you need to power your house or appliances.

Installation Costs: The panels you purchase will likely come from a contractor selling them and their installation service. Research the installation costs other contractors offer within your area to determine which ones offer the best value.

These factors are for buying and installing crystalline solar panels for your home. If you need a flexible panel for your phone or gadgets while traveling, consider the Anker SOLIX PS30 Portable Solar Panel. It is lightweight and foldable for easy storage. Thanks to its IP65 water-proof rating, you can leave it out nearly anywhere on the ground or outdoors.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Modern solar panels are built to require little maintenance over several decades, although most have an average service life of 20 to 30 years. A high-quality panel can last up to 40 years.

Remember that we are talking about their lifespan, not their efficiency. Solar panels usually lose 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency annually and might gradually show minor degradation. Correct maintenance and regular inspections ensure their efficiency can keep up with their expected life span.

Conclusion

Now that you've explored the solar panel basics, you have a better understanding of how they work and the types available. To fully enjoy the benefits of solar energy, it’s important to check if your roof can support the weight of the panels and whether you'll need brackets for proper installation. Whether your goal is to lower electricity costs or embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, solar energy is a smart and efficient choice.

FAQs

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes, solar panels still work on cloudy days, though their efficiency is reduced. They can produce about 10-25% of their normal output depending on cloud cover. Solar panels rely on sunlight, so while clouds may block some of the direct sunlight, they can still generate power from indirect sunlight or diffused light. 

What is the best way to run solar panels?

If you are generating more power than the amount you use at home, consider installing a solar battery storage. You can save excess electricity to this power and use it for emergencies or for powering your electric car. Another consideration is to have your solar power system connected to your local power grid, allowing you to save money and earn credits on your utility bills.

What is the most efficient time for solar panels?

Usually falling between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., solar panels are most efficient during peak sunlight hours when the sun is highest in the sky. Panels get the most direct sunlight during these hours, creating the most electricity. Even during an overcast, your panels gain the most energy during this four-hour period.

Are bigger solar panels better?

Larger solar panels will have more photovoltaic cells, allowing for more energy to be collected from the sun. However, the size does not make it better in terms of solar collecting efficiency. A small monocrystalline solar panel can gather more sunlight than a larger polycrystalline panel. Always consider a panel's efficiency in collecting the sun’s energy to know which one is better for your home.